BAY TOWNSHIP – The biggest party of the year may have happened before spring's arrival, as hundreds watched winter melt away.

The inaugural Burning Snowman was created as a way to usher in spring while saying goodbye to winter one last time. It raises money for a good cause.

"We like to burn stuff and it kind of brought us to this level," said Matt Ritter, snowman maker.

Ritter, along with fellow volunteer Nick James, said the goal is to make Burning Snowman an annual event.

"We are ecstatic about the turnout," said James. "This is all a fundraising event for the United Way of Ottawa County. We are very happy to be partnered with them."

James said there was no specific goal for the fundraising because it was the first time for the event. He said the turnout was better than expected, despite cold temperatures.

Although, Ottawa and Sandusky County residents are feeling the chill of Jack Frost, Ritter said he and friends wanted to host an event where friends from the area could come, have fun and hope the symbolic burning of Norman the snowman would get everyone in a warm weather mindset.